Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science major
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science major
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Upcoming start dates
Semester 2 - 17 Jul 2023
November Summer School - 13 Nov 2023
Semester 1 - 19 Feb 2024
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Qualification
Bachelors
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Duration
3 years full-time
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Credits
360
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Location
Lincoln University Campus
Growing populations and damaging environmental practices are putting our planet under extreme pressure. Now more than ever before, there is a need for knowledgeable scientists to apply passion, skills and understanding to restoring waterways, land, natural habitats and biodiversity, and to plant the seeds for a more balanced future in partnership with nature and the land.
This Lincoln University degree, majoring in Environmental Science, will give you a firm grounding in all relevant sciences that relate to the natural environment. You’ll learn about the impacts of land use, the natural processes in soil and water, and what is required to protect and restore the environment for future generations. Your studies can be complemented with elective courses that relate to the economy, society and environmental science, so you expand your ability to have a meaningful impact on some of the most important work that is needed today.
How you’ll grow
- Develop a scientific understanding of major challenges such as climate change and species extinction, along with the effects of intensive land and water use driven by industrialisation and rapid population growth
- Build a base of practical experience working with the land and water issues you’ll meet in the future, either in New Zealand or overseas
- Absorb the knowledge of world-class scientists spearheading research into sustainable and restorative land use practices
- Put your learning to work by ensuring sustainable outcomes and behaviours in New Zealand and beyond.
Career opportunities
You’ll sow the seeds that lead to a wide range of opportunities. Demand is growing for scientific credentials in land and water resource science, irrigation technology, climate change mitigation, groundwater and critical zone monitoring, degraded land restoration, wetland chemistry and management, environmental advocacy and policy making for government. Your potential employers include government organisations, local and regional councils, environmental consulting organisations, irrigation companies and primary production industries.
The Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) has given me a grounding in all the necessary areas, but has the flexibility to let me focus on areas that I’m particularly interested in (like soil and water) I feel really well set up to launch my career and do some good.
Jennifer Tregurtha
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science major
Upon successful completion of this degree programme, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science with an Environmental Science major.
Programme information
University Entrance through NCEA or an approved, equivalent qualification.
If you have an overseas qualification, you can find out more about entry requirements here.
*If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about English language requirements.
Recommended preparation
- Biology (highly recommended)
- Chemistry (highly recommended)
- Physics
- English
- Geography / Social Studies
- Māori Studies
- Maths / Statistics (highly recommended)
- PE / Outdoor Ed
Summary of Regulations
All of the following:
- Pass at least 360 credits (24 courses)
- Pass all compulsory courses
- Complete no more than 165 credits (11 courses ) at the 100 level
- Complete at least 75 credits (5 courses) at the 300 level
- Complete 30 credits (2 courses) at 300-level with a BIOS, ECOL, ENTO, ERST, MAST, PHSC, PLPT, PLSC, SOSC, WATR prefix
- Meet the requirements of at least one of the named Bachelor of Science majors
- Please refer to the Academic Calendar for all of the suggested electives for the Bachelor of Science.
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)*
There are also options for starting in summer semesters. But the range of courses available would be limited.
*Please obtain course advice if you’re considering this option.
There may be an opportunity to add an additional major or minor to your study programme. Please refer to the programme course advisor for further information.
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Entry requirements
University Entrance through NCEA or an approved, equivalent qualification.
If you have an overseas qualification, you can find out more about entry requirements here.
*If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about English language requirements.
Recommended preparation
- Biology (highly recommended)
- Chemistry (highly recommended)
- Physics
- English
- Geography / Social Studies
- Māori Studies
- Maths / Statistics (highly recommended)
- PE / Outdoor Ed
-
Regulations and fees
Summary of Regulations
All of the following:
- Pass at least 360 credits (24 courses)
- Pass all compulsory courses
- Complete no more than 165 credits (11 courses ) at the 100 level
- Complete at least 75 credits (5 courses) at the 300 level
- Complete 30 credits (2 courses) at 300-level with a BIOS, ECOL, ENTO, ERST, MAST, PHSC, PLPT, PLSC, SOSC, WATR prefix
- Meet the requirements of at least one of the named Bachelor of Science majors
- Please refer to the Academic Calendar for all of the suggested electives for the Bachelor of Science.
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
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Intake semesters
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)*
There are also options for starting in summer semesters. But the range of courses available would be limited.
*Please obtain course advice if you’re considering this option.
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Additional major
There may be an opportunity to add an additional major or minor to your study programme. Please refer to the programme course advisor for further information.
Programme Structure
Note:
Year 1 - PHSC 107 is now ENSC 101. Please enrol in ENSC 101 for semester 1.
Year 2 - PHSC 210 is now ENSC 201. Please enrol in ENSC 201 for semester 1.
Year 1
Semester 1 courses
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Semester 1 courses
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{{ 'PHSC 107' | except-last-word }} {{ 'PHSC 107' | last-word }}
Introduction to Earth and Ecological Sciences
15 credits
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{{ 'BIOS 110' | except-last-word }} {{ 'BIOS 110' | last-word }}
Biological Sciences
15 credits
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{{ 'PHSC 101' | except-last-word }} {{ 'PHSC 101' | last-word }}
Chemistry IA
15 credits
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Elective
Semester 2 courses
Year 2
Semester 1 courses
Semester 2 courses
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Semester 2 courses
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{{ 'QMET 201' | except-last-word }} {{ 'QMET 201' | last-word }}
Biometrics
15 credits
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{{ 'SOSC 222' | except-last-word }} {{ 'SOSC 222' | last-word }}
Soil Science II
15 credits
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{{ 'SOSC 223' | except-last-word }} {{ 'SOSC 223' | last-word }}
Physical Landscapes: formation and function
15 credits
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Elective
Year 3
Semester 1 courses
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Semester 1 courses
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{{ 'SCIE 393' | except-last-word }} {{ 'SCIE 393' | last-word }}
Advanced Field Research
15 credits
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Elective
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Elective
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Elective
Semester 2 courses
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Semester 2 courses
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{{ 'ENSC 301' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ENSC 301' | last-word }}
Climate Change and Land Use
15 credits
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Elective
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Elective
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Elective
- Compulsory courses
- Elective courses
This degree structure is indicative only. A course advisor will help you to select your electives and plan your degree. You can check out our courses to see what electives might interest you.
Programme contacts

Need more info?
Email us on [email protected]
Or call us on 0800 10 60 10
If you're overseas, please call +64 3 423 0000
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